HUNDREDS of cyclists, swimmers and runners are ready to take part in the Horwich Festival of Racing this weekend.

The festival, now in its 16th year, has a packed programme of events taking place throughout the town over Saturday and Sunday.

It will include the prestigious Emerson Grand Prix on Saturday, during which elite cyclists will circle the town centre course at speeds of up to 40mph.

Other attractions include the British Unicycle Championships, the Fun Swim Run and the Lostock Athletic Club Invitation Triathlon.

President of the festival Barbara Ronson said it would be a “fantastic local event” but warned there would be an impact on car and bus journeys around the town centre.

She said: “I am thrilled that we are again able to run events on the Saturday afternoon and evening this year.

“It’s a great opportunity for youngsters to take part and it will draw many more people into the town but we do appreciate that as the event grows that there will be an impact on journeys around Horwich town centre.

“We have worked hard with Bolton Council and with our own traffic management contractors to provide clear alternative routes.

“We will be delivering letters to all businesses and residents around the course outlining what these are and giving them plenty of notice to arrange alternative delivery days and travel routes.”

There will be road closures in place on Saturday from 2pm to 11pm and on Sunday from 8am to 6pm.

These are Lee Lane, from its junction with Winter Hey Lane to the Crown Roundabout, Winter Hey Lane and Chorley New Road between Scholes Bank and Winter Hey Lane.

And on Sunday at approximately 10.45am and 12.20pm, Church Street will also close briefly for 20 minutes from Horwich Leisure Centre down to the Longworth Road junction to allow runners to pass safely.

Signposted diversions will be in place and marshals will assist residents and businesses to use the alternative routes. Businesses on the Pearl Brook industrial estate can access the site from Chorley New Road, and motorists are advised that car parks on St John’s Street will also be closed for the weekend.

Bolton Council cabinet member for culture Cllr John Byrne said: “We want to make sure the weekend is a success for Horwich and the road closures are essential to facilitate the event safely.

“The Horwich Festival of Racing covers a wide area and we are working closely with the organiser and other partners in an effort to minimise disruption.

“We would encourage people to plan their travel in advance, use alternative routes and we would like to thank residents, businesses and motorists in advance for their patience.”

For more information on the events, go to horwichfesitvalofracing.co.uk and full details of road closures are available at bolton.gov.uk/trafficorders.